Beyond the Artwork: How 1Haida found his art practice through storytelling, mental health, and cultural diplomacy

Ethan or also known as 1haida, is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts a major in Visual Communications at the Philippine Women’s University. His artwork focuses on mental health, escapism, and social commentary, which is translated into a surrealist fauvist style or in his words “The use of colorful scenes to make sorrow feel seen”. Recognized as an ASEAN-UK cross-cultural youth ambassador 2021, he collaborated on Zeus Bascon’s Multong Bakla Project. Currently, he took up an internship with the artist Leeroy New and is now working under his team. He is also a leadership program associate for Artdialogo.

"Last year, as it was coming to an end I think I found the art practice I would want to stick to. If you have had conversations with me before asking what I do as an artist I would say that my main mediums would always be expressing emotions and storytelling. While I do know how to create visual art and perform - I would always find myself going beyond that and focusing more on why I think a certain way and how I respond to what is happening around me, rather than the actual product. 2025 is the year I was given multiple opportunities to interact and reach out to creatives, students, educators, and institutions: What I found out was that (although I am single), currently I am falling in love with the idea of arts and culture being used as a tool for diplomacy. At my core as an artist and as a human, I highly value the idea that “the opposite of depression is expression” and that same expression is meant to create meaningful interactions not just with the self but also with communities.

Through the SENISKWELA and SENISIKAT programs I have gained a deeper appreciation and wisdom for the importance of diplomacy in arts and culture. To quote Ms. Marge Ballesteros, DepEd Director: “Diplomacy at its heart is the practice of understanding” To understand and to be understood for me is a concept that I believe is overrated but at the same time often misunderstood. Everybody wants to stand for something or belong. But for me it goes beyond that, the term “understanding” is synonymous with the word “why?” (For what purpose?) and for me that purpose is to “to serve” - I am expressing, telling stories and creating in hopes to help guide those who are like me struggling with mental health related challenges and finding a purpose for what they would what to express.

As a response to how I wanted to go about these events, Number one for me was, I wanted to show up and dress the part - The goal was to embody arts and culture as well as use the platform I have by showcasing the works of indigenous people and local artists (A big thank you to Denver of slowtear and Willar of Salad day for saying yes to my request and generously sharing their work) The look for day one was a vest featuring a pattern from southern Philippines, day two was the gala night and I went for a modern Filipiana response by mixing every by slow tear‘s bib top with southern Philippine textiles and lastly, for the talk on day three was a more casual but eye catching look by salad day. For all the activities and talks that followed, I went in with no expectations but open to all ideas and interactions - I made it a point to keep an open mind and learn from everyone despite the different cultural backgrounds la, languages and age gaps.

I think the most significant moment that inspired me from all of this was the opportunity to talk and teach educators. It left a mark on me and made me realize how important learning is and how education is not limited to the four walls of the classroom nor does it stop with a certain age or circumstance.

With this I leave you a question I left my friend Sam:

In what ways can my creativity become a force of positive change in society?

Ipaglalaban -Sining, Kultura, at Diplomasya"

This experience reinforced that art is not only about what is created, but about how one shows up, reflects, and connects with others. Remaining open to learning and dialogue allows expression to move beyond the self and become shared and meaningful. This is the kind of practice they hope to continue developing, the one grounded in curiosity, service, and genuine connection.

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